Smith MBA Students Celebrate 4^th International Night

MBA students at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business represented more than 16 countries and four continents as they celebrated the Fourth Annual International Night, Feb. 21, 2013.

The event kicked off with a splendid international food expo, where international students set up tables and showcased some of the best cuisines from their home countries. The first floor of Van Munching Hall was transformed into an exotic food court, packed with more than 300 Terps eagerly waiting in line for a taste of authentic foods from Bangladesh, China, France, Ghana, Nigeria, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Peru, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Venezuela.

The evening performance started with a performance celebrating international fashion led by a mixed group of domestic and international students. Student performers dressed in grandiose Taiwanese San Tai Zi costumes, the symbolic warrior figures originated from ancient Chinese mythology, performed a street dance. Students from Korea, India, U.S., and Venezuela took turns dominating the stage with their singing talents and dance skills.

One of the highlights of the night was Matsuken-Samba II, a Japanese group dance featuring kimono costumes, face-painting and amusing hip-swaying moves and samba steps that set the audience on fire. The crowd also cheered for their fellow students who showed off some fearless kicks and fists in the challenge with former Thai kickboxing champion. The International Night concluded in high spirits with the routine Chinese Lion Dance, bringing oriental blessings of fortune and luck to the Smith community.

“These guys are getting better each year!” exclaimed Shreevardhan Lele, assistant dean of academic affairs of MBA programs, speaking highly of the organizing team behind this event.

International Night, as part of a series of International Week activities, is one of the most anticipated Smith community gatherings organized by Asian MBA Association. The event enables students to form close bonds with their cohort colleagues, appreciate the diversity of different cultures, and enrich their learning experience through collaboration in a true global community.

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, executive MBA, MS in business, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

Yang Zhao, MBA Candidate 2014, Smith Media Group